avpd85

THE GEESE

"...the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." John 1:14

Author Unknown
THERE was once a man who didn't believe in God and didn't hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and religious holidays, like Christmas. His wife did believe and raised their children to have faith in God and Jesus.

One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the farm community in which they lived. She asked her husband to come, but he refused as usual, .. "The Christmas story is nonsense!" he exclaimed. "Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That's ridiculous!" She and the children went, and he stayed home.

That night the wind began to blow and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he could see was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down before the fire-place to relax . Suddenly there was a loud thump. Something had hit the window. Then a second thump. He looked out, but couldn't see more than a few feet because of the blinding snow.

When the storm let up a little, he ventured out to see what could have been beating on his window. In the field near the house was a flock of wild geese. Apparently they were flying south when they were caught in the blizzard and couldn't go on.

They were lost and stranded on his farm, without food or shelter. Flapping their wings, they aimlessly flew around the field in low circles. Some had apparently flown into his window.

The man felt concern for the geese and wanted to help them.

The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It was warm and safe. They would be saved if they spent the night there waiting out the storm.

He opened the barn doors wide. Then he watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and enter. But the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn't seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them.

The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them and they moved further away. He went into the house and brought out some bread, broke it up, and made a breadcrumb trail leading to the barn. They still didn't catch on.

Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried

to shoo them toward the barn, but they only became frightened and scattered in every direction except toward the barn.

Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be safe. "Why don't they follow me?" he puzzled. "Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive?"

He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human. "If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said out loud.

Suddenly he had an idea. He went into the barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. When he released his goose, it flew through the flock and straight into the safety of the barn. One by one the other geese followed it to safety.

He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind: "If only I were a goose, then I could save them!" Then he thought about what he had said to his wife.

Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese--blind, lost, perishing. God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us. That was the meaning of Christmas, he realized. As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet. Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come.

Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first real prayer: "Thank You, Lord, for coming in human form to get me out of this world and leading me to a better one. Lead me to the safety of Your Father's arms."

"He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." Hebrews 2:17-18

"Nowadays, in a special way
the world needs people capable of
proclaiming and bearing witness
to God who is love. . . .
The Church’s mission is the
extension of Christ’s mission:
to bring God’s love to all,
proclaiming it with words and
with the concrete testimony of charity."

- Pope Benedict XVI

---

Went to pay our last respects to a relative of ours earlier... (me, my cousin and mother). The journey was almost uneventful (for me) besides half listening to the radio and my mother and cousin's chatter. They spoke all the way to the house of the deceased (a late uncle of my mother). I just couldn't help but think that it should've been me to "entertain" my cousin 'cos she's about my age. Seems to me like she gets along better with mother than she is with me!

Anyway, just wanted to make this quick: the son of the deceased hit on my cousin after telling me how he'd seen me walking around in "hot pants" in town (which, of course, is not true). The son (or our "uncle") gave his number to my cousin and asked her to give him a missed call so he could have her number. Eew...! Not even the tiniest bit of remorse coming from a man whose father just passed away?

I can't believe I smiled at the coffin where the deceased person laid! I can't imagine how rude I must've looked for the grieving family! My face was burning with embarrassment and I don't know why I just did what I did. I asked my cousin if she thought that was rude and she seemed to be at loss for words 'cos she just said, "You're supposed to be sad." And I said, "I know."

I feel so bad right now.

"Holy Spirit, come bring comfort
to all who have lost hope —
hope in someone they love,
hope in a difficult health
or family situation, even hope in themselves."

- The Word Among Us

---

Mexico made history when its Parliament voted to legalise abortion in the Catholic-majority country. The move encourages its citizens to "kill" their foetuses, besides giving in to pro-choice views and undermining the value of life even during the early stages of pregnancy. I can imagine the feminists/pro-choicers doing their victorious revelry when the news came out. Forty six lawmakers (against 19) voted for the bill.



Read the story about the baby holding the surgeon's finger from within the womb during foetal operation.

I think abortion is wrong.

If you ask me, I would still keep the child had I been raped or if it's born out of wedlock or incest. I know in my heart that it's always easier said than actually doing it and to keep my word. But I also know in the depths of my soul that I could never abort the "life" inside of me, if I were to be under any of these circumstances. 'Cos that would be like murder.

I admire women who decided keep their babies even when their future prospects seem dim at the time of their pregnancy.

"Jesus, strengthen the gift of faith
which you have so graciously given me.
Help me to persevere in seeking you in all things."

- The Word Among Us

---

These are some of the photos taken off this site that came as a shock to me and left me feeling giddy to my stomach 'cos of the eerily scary road condition... I can't imagine staying in a car on that stretch of road which is like, 3,600 metres off ground... I'd rather walk all the way up.

Judge for yourselves...

"Road of Death"







"North Yungas Road is
hands-down the most dangerous in the world for motorists.
This one clearly endangers your life.
It runs in the Bolivian Andes,
70 km from La Paz to Coroico, and plunges down
almost 3,600 meters in an orgy of extremely narrow
hairpin curves and 800-meter abyss near-misses.
A fatal accident happens there every couple of weeks,
100-200 people perish there every year.
In 1995 the Inter-American Development Bank named the
La Paz-to-Coroico route “the world’s most dangerous road."



****************************************************************
Update:

Sister sent me a newspaper from Hong Kong via courier service (only 'cos I wanted her to). The package arrived today. The guy who sent it creeped me out 'cos he was asking questions that I find to be unnecessary especially coming from the courier service firm. He asked where I worked, and my position. Then he asked for the exact location to my office and I gave him the wrong directions. He was asking too many questions at a time and it was distracting enough for me to sign the documents. Before leaving, he innocently asked if my "husband" worked at the same firm as I do... and I told him I don't have a husband. And he said, "...you're not married? So you must be young." (Does that mean I looked old to him? Grrrr...)

"Since you're not married maybe you and I should get to know each other."

I flashed him my "we're done" smile and headed back into the house. This is just one of the few examples why I find social situations to be so intimidating and awkward. You never know what sort of people you'd meet. There are tons of different personalities out there and the guy who delivered that courier package creeped me out.

The Hong Kong newspaper was quite a disappointment 'cos I expected to read more about the local news and get to know the culture there a little better. Instead, this particular paper (Southern China Morning Post) is more focused on Hong Kong and its relations with the outside world. I think sister bought the "wrong" paper for me. But it's still good. Weird. People go overseas to buy things like souvenirs/handicrafts but here I am obsessing about their newspapers.

The ratings:


= Very true
= True
= Somewhat true
= Far from truth


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On personality...
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Truth Rating:

What Your Soul Really Looks Like

You are a warm hearted and open minded person. It's easy for you to forgive and forget. You are a grounded person, but you also leave room for imagination and dreams. You feet may be on the ground, but you're head is in the clouds. You believe that people see you for how you are, not how you look. But deep down, you know that's not exactly true. Your near future is still unknown, and a little scary. You'll get through wild times - and you'll textually enjoy it. For you, love is all about caring and comfort. You couldn't fall in love with someone you didn't trust.

Truth Rating:

Your Sensitivity Score: 82%

You are an extremely sensitive person. You notice everything. You've probably been called overly sensitive before, and it's partially true. Highly sensitive people tend to be highly intelligent. And you just can't turn off that part of you.

Truth Rating:

You Are 48% Abnormal

You are at low risk for being a psychopath. It is unlikely that you have no soul. You are at low risk for having a borderline personality. It is unlikely that you are a chaotic mess. You are at medium risk for having a narcissistic personality. It is somewhat likely that you are in love with your own reflection. You are at high risk for having a social phobia. It is very likely that you feel most comfortable in your mom's basement. You are at medium risk for obsessive compulsive disorder. It is somewhat likely that you are addicted to hand sanitizer.

Truth Rating:

Your Life is 80% Off Track

If you're honest with yourself, you have to admit that you often feel like you're living the wrong life. It's a pretty easy conclusion to come to - because it seems like not a lot is going right. Consider finding a life coach or mentor. You need some encouragement in turning your life around.

Truth Rating:

Your Inner Child Is Sad

You're a very sensitive soul. You haven't grown that thick skin that most adults have. Easily hurt, you tend to retreat to your comfort zone. You don't let many people in - unless you've trusted them for a long time.

Truth Rating:

Your Body Image is 72% Unhealthy, 28% Healthy

Your negative body image is borderline serious. It could turn into an eating disorder or psychological problem. Perhaps you're just having a bad day. But maybe you need to think about getting help for your problem.

Truth Rating:

Your Social Anxiety Level: 96%

You have extreme social anxiety. Your social phobia is a serious problem for you, and you definitely need help. And while getting help may seem very scary, it's your only choice... except for hermitude!

Truth Rating:

You Are 50% Weird

Normal enough to know that you're weird... But too damn weird to do anything about it!

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For fun...
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Truth Rating: N/A

Your Rapper Name Is...

Afrika Alchemist

Truth Rating:

You Should Be A Poet

You craft words well, in creative and unexpected ways. And you have a great talent for evoking beautiful imagery... Or describing the most intense heartbreak ever. You're already naturally a poet, even if you've never written a poem.

Truth Rating:

Your Hidden Talent

You have the natural talent of rocking the boat, thwarting the system. And while this may not seem big, it can be. It's people like you who serve as the catalysts to major cultural changes. You're just a bit behind the scenes, so no one really notices.

Truth Rating:

Your Psyche is Blue

You are deeply emotional and very connected to everything (and everyone) around you. By simply understanding other people, you are able to help them heal and let go. While you are a very deep and thoughtful person, you do have a very silly, superficial side. When you are too blue: the weight of the world's problems hangs over you When you don't have enough blue: you lack perspective and understanding

Truth Rating:

Your 1996 Theme Song Is: Macarena by Los Del Rio

When I dance they call me macarena And the boys, they say that I'm buena They all want me, they can't have me So they all come and dance beside me

Truth Rating:

Your Famous Last Words Will Be:

"What we know is not much. What we don't know is enormous."

Truth Rating:

You Are 45% Addicted to Blogthings

You're a Blogthings fiend - addicted but not totally dependent. So what if you know your personality type by heart? And while you may feel like Blogthings is crack... There are people much worse off than you!

"Jesus, I lay my burdens at your feet.
I trust that you can and
will set me free.
Come, Lord Jesus, and loose my bonds!"

- The Word Among Us

---

I am doing a random survey today. "Stole" this from silent_r_infork. (I have a feeling that most of my answers would be one-word replies... we'll see)

1. Made out for more than 3 minutes? No.
2. Slept in a different bed? Yeah.
3. Made out in a movie theatre? No.
4. made out with 2 different people in one night? No.
5. Thought your cousin was hot? Uhh... yeah. >_< But I think I've outgrown that part. I know I have!
6. Been in love? I thought I have.
7. Looked at porn in the last three days? No.
8. Taken a shower with the opposite sex? Yeah, my cousin... when we were little.
9. Gone over the speed limit? Yes. I don't want to be late for work, that's why. Other times I drive slow people behind me would think a senior citizen is driving the car.
10. Painted your room? No.
11. Drove a car? Yes.
12. Danced in front of your mirror?
13. Gotten a hickey? No.
14. Been dumped? Yes.
15. Stole money from a friend? No.
16. Gotten in a car with people you just met? Yeah, the cab driver.
17. Been in a fist fight? Not that I know of.
18. Snuck out of your house? Never (I'm beginning to think that this is like an "innocence" test...)
19. Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back? Yes.
20. Been arrested? No.
21. Made out with a stranger? No.
22. Left your house with out telling your parents? I remember there's this one time...
23. Had a crush on your neighbor? Yeah, but I didn't know the neighbour was married 'cos we just moved... lol.
24. Ditched school to do something more fun? Never.
25. Slept in a bed with a member of the same or opposite sex? Yes, and yes. (The point of the question is...?)
26. Seen someone die? No. *touch wood*
27. Been on a plane? Yes.
28. Kissed a picture? Yes.
29. Slept in until 3? Yeah, that's why I don't take alcohol anymore after that bad first experience. That hangover was horrible!!
30. Love someone or miss someone right now? Yes.
31. Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by? Been a very long time.
32. Made a snow angel? No.
33. Played dress up? Come again?
34. Cheated while playing a game? I wish I knew how.
35. Been lonely in the last week? Yes.
36. Fallen asleep at work/school? School, yes.
37. Been to a club? Yes. I went to a few and decided that it's not my thing.
38. Felt an earthquake? No.
39. Touched a snake? Ick, no.
40. Ran a red light? Yeah...
41. Been suspended from school? No.
42. Had detention? Once.
43. Been in a car?
44. Hated the way you look? Yes.
45. Witnessed a crime? No.
46. Been lost? I was lost and now am found.
47. Been to the opposite side of the country?Yes.
48. Felt like dying from embarrassment?Yes, A LOT of times.
49. Cried yourself to sleep?Yes.
50. Sang karaoke? Yes.
51. Done something you told yourself you wouldn't do? Yes.
52. Laughed till some kind of beverage came out of your nose? *lmao* Water, yeah. And that hurt, too!
53. Caught a snowflake on your tongue? No.
54. Kissed in the rain? No.
55. Sung in the shower? Yes.
56. Had a dream that you married someone? Wow, never.
57. played getting married?Yeah, when I was little.
58. Got your tongue stuck to a flag pole? No...
59. Ever gone to school partially nude? No!
60. Been addicted? Yes.
61. Sat on a roof top? No, but I'd like to.
62. Didn't take a shower for a week? No, I can't imagine not showering for a week!
63. Ever been too scared to watch scary movies alone? Yes... lol.
64. Played chicken? What's that?
65. Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? No.
66. Been told you're hot by a complete stranger? Yes.
67. Broken a bone? No. *touch wood*
68. Been easily amused? Yes.
69. Laugh so hard you cry? Yep.
70. Cheated on a test? No.
71. Forgotten someone's name? Very rarely but yes.
72. Blacked out from drinking? I don't drink.
73. Played a prank on someone? Yes.
74. Gone to a late night movie? Yes.
75. Made love to anything not human? No!
76. Failed a class? Yes, economics... I hate economics!
77. Choked on something you're not supposed to eat? Yes, a coin. My sister showed me a magic trick and she made it seemed like she actually swallowed the coin she was holding so I imitated her and actually swallowed one for real! jglad that I didn't die or anything.
78. Played an instrument for more than 10 hours? No.
79. Cheated on a girlfriend/boyfriend? No.
80. Did you celebrate the 4th of July? I'm not American.
81. Thrown strange objects? Ha, what objects?
82. Felt like someone?I don't understand.
83. Thought about running away? Yes.
84. Ran away? No.
85. Had detention and not attend it? No.
86. Made parents cry? ...yes.
87. Cried over someone? Yes.
88. Owned more than 5 sharpies? Sharpies?
89. Dated someone more than once? No.
90. Have a dog? Two.
91. Own an instrument? No.
92. Been in a band? Marching band.
93. Drank 25 sodas in a day? No way. >_<
94. Broken a cd? No.
95. Shot a gun? No.
96. Been on myspace for more than 5 hours? Don't have one. I don't spend 5 hours online, anyways.
97. ...listened to a song over and over again, back to back? No.
98. Have a major crush on someone right now? A little bit maybe.
99. Have a religion? Proud Catholic.
100. Thought about what people would say at your funeral? Not really, but I have wondered if anyone would miss me when I'm gone. And if anyone outside my family would even notice that I'm gone.


I'm done, finally! Next time I decide to take a 100-question survey I better think twice 'cos I'm not one to quit half way through.

"Jesus, I can’t follow you by myself.
Lead me to others who are committed to you,
so that we can share our struggles and our victories."

- The Word Among Us

---

I feel like I am living in a bubble of self defence where I dwell in my own reality. This bubble protects me from seeing the truth. It protects me from the everyday, painful reality of life. I avoid contact with people so I can avoid drama. Somehow I think that contributes to the seemingly never-ending drama of my family life. Like death, social obstacles is unavoidable 'cos it will find you and hit you hardest where you don't expect it. And in my case, it's found one of my biggest weaknesses: my family.

My bubble is growing thinner. A little bit more stress and it'll burst. What will happen to me then, without my protective defence? I would be exposed like salt on a fresh, open wound. Sometimes I'm living too much in my own world that I forget what's it like to be part of a community.

This explains why I have been struggling with my spiritual life so much:

"The truth is, if we are trying to live the Christian life on our own, we are missing something vital. We are missing the strength and inspiration we can receive from other believers. And they are missing what we can give to them!"

A friend of mind "woke" me up with her personal encounter of her church experience. It opened my eyes, and seeped through my protective bubble. I realised instantly how I've been wrong to avoid having relationships with people outside my family. My distrust has been slowly eating up the "self" in me. I've been doing my own reflection... and I don't even know who I am, or was, anymore. She's almost gone. I hope it's not too late to call her back. I hope I'll be able to swallow my pride and let people into my life again.

That friend's courage to do something out of the norm was a really big inspiration and eye-opener for me. And I felt smaller and smaller as I realised how much I'm missing out when I live in this bubble that I've created. There she was doing her thing and here I am thinking about "me, me, me"... everything had to centre around the "I".

I don't want to be living in a bubble anymore, Lord. It may save me from minor heartaches for now, but the consequences may be more than I can handle.

I am grateful for that friend's sharing. It's an eye-opener and a bubble-"burster". It came just in time.

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful;
enkindle in us the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit,
and we shall be created
and you shall renew the face of the earth.”

- The Word Among Us

---

Took a few dozen quizzes 'cos I couldn't sleep. I thought this quiz result was the most outstanding...

Never Date an Aquarius

Freaky, unconventional, and downright strange - it's likely that any Aquarius will weird you out. And if you do happen to fall for an Aquarius, you'll probably find them too emotionally distant to connect with. Instead try dating: Cancer, Pisces, Capricorn, or Virgo

I am an Aquarian!! I thought people with the same star sign are the best fit!? This is mind-bogglingly odd... lol. (Add: Now this quiz is making ALL Aquarians look bad... heh)

...





Come to think of it... I never did believe in these astrology things, anyways.

p.s. I'm not feeling so good. Brother's "disappeared" a second time.

"He will give you the courage and boldness you need.
All you have to do is imitate Peter:
With one hand, take hold of God’s grace,
and with the other, reach out in faith and confidence.
You’ll be amazed at what can happen!"

- The Word Among Us

---

It just hit me today that I miss my sister. Really miss her. I guess I've been avoiding thinking about how really lonely I am after she'd packed her bags and boarded the plane to go live in another State. Her office relocated her to the headquarters. And I hate them for that. But I guess sister's moving out would've happened sooner or later, and I just have to deal with it like a grown person.

I've been doing exactly that until about two hours ago, when I was in my bedroom staring at the ceilings and the four walls around me. Sister left her collection of CDs, and some "burned" ones, which are of her personal favourites. I listened to them in my room and when the song "At The Beginning" by Donna Lewis & Richard Marx came on, my heart felt the emptiness that has been there all along since the day I hugged sister goodbye at the airport. That song brought me back to the time when our choir was singing for a newly-weds at the wedding reception, about a year ago. She sang the duet with my uncle (who's also in the choir) and I remember being so proud of her.

I cried when that song played on the CD player...


Sister's "sad" look.


Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey

I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

It's been a while since I last cried. And I cried my heart out with memories of my sister going through my head... from when we were little to the time she waved goodbye at the check-in counter in the airport.

When you miss someone, you don't just miss their good side. You miss things about them that would normally annoy the daylight out of you and then realised that you've take things for granted... I miss cleaning after the mess she left behind. I miss listening to her annoying karaoke-ing. I miss hearing about the crazy things happening at the local clubs. I miss listening to her complain about her love life.

I miss singing in the choir with her. I miss seeing her around the house.

...I miss having a sister. I miss you, sis!!

"Because of his death and resurrection,
it is possible for us to be his friends,
to talk to him,
and to experience him answering the longings of our hearts. "

- The Word Among Us

---

Lately suicide has been an issue in my area. A veteran reporter has been writing special reports on this matter and just the other day I overheard her conversation with a suicidal woman on the telephone at the office. The caller wished to remain anonymous. as she hung up, the reporter could only say that she "got a shock" of her life after listening to the woman's story.

One boy's story, in particular, made my heart break. He was 11 years of age when he hung himself. According to the mother, it was his second attempt. On his first try, she caught him in the nick of time. The boy committed suicide 'cos of their poverty. How they lack food and money to survive with the mother's dependency on a meagre government welfare fund. The mother saif the boy complained of being bullied at school 'cos of his poor "status". Here's what she said:

"He told me he could not take it anymore living in the conditions we were in"
...adding that towards the end, he (the son) also had to endure cruel teasing
at school by classmates who likened the porridge
he brought from home daily to that of dog vomit.

Kids can be so cruel.

Here are some of the things the boy said to his mother prior to the suicide:

• "We do not even have enough to eat and mummy has to be treated over and over in hospital."
  
• "...there would be fewer people to feed and to take care of if (I) were to go and that (my) share of the food could be given to (my) brothers and sisters."
  
• "I know mummy have a heart condition, so if I die mummy can also take my heart."
  

It breaks my heart.

"Lord Jesus, I am a pilgrim
on the journey toward you.
Help me to change my life
from relying on the things of the world
to following you wherever you lead me."

- The Word Among Us

---

This news (Chinese Ban "Chinglish" For Olympics) article which I read off the news wires while at the office earlier made me laugh... lol. It's about China's Olympics preparation for next year, which they will be hosting. The news about Beijing Olympics' preparation is really somewhat of a newsmaker (well, at least on the news wires if not online or what not).

The news is about how the Chinese government is trying to get rid of "Chinglish" (Chinese English) in public places where an expected 500,000 foreigners would be coming in conjunction with the big event. Here are some of the funny signs written in Chinglish (with their translations):

• "Racist Park" - Minorities Park
  
• "The Slippery Are Very Crafty" - Slippery When Wet
  

The mistake is funny and cute at the same time... lmao!

"When you search for me, you will find me;
if you seek me with all your heart."

- Jeremiah 29:13

---

Sometimes the words that my mother spoke of makes A LOT of sense to me. Especially this one:

"Why don't you be a teacher? There are kids out there who needs encouragement. Kids who need sincere people like you. People who can pray for them when the times are hard."

I was touched. Because she said "people like you"... "sincere"... "prayer". When all the words add up, it described someone she find pleasant and worth some kind of admiration to some extent. (And I felt like I meant something to her, not just someone she got stuck with for marrying my father.) I'm not trying to blow my own bubbles and that's not really my point, anyway. This is one of those rare moments when mother would have this heart-to-heart talk with me instead of her constant criticism which I've grown to dislike.

It never occurred to me that teaching could be considered a missionary work as well. I'm sure people had wanted to be teachers at some point in their lives. I asked mother why she related teaching with "missionary work" and her reply was simple: Teach these kids with your heart and soul, help them overcome difficulties with your prayer and action.

The teachers that are around nowadays are in it mostly for the money. I know 'cos I grew up in these schools and seriously, there were only a handful of teachers who I find to be sincere in their work.

I am amazed that mother did not bring up my shyness when she said I should give teaching a try, 'cos I know being a teacher can be tough, and it deals especially with a lot of social outings (and that thought alone gave me butterflies to my stomach).

I'm grateful for mother's words. They were enlightening and at the same time, it shows that she cares about the state of the young children in the school today, and last but not least, she actually thought I could pull this off. She believed in me, even if it's still a matter under speculation. Even if it's just one of those "what ifs".

Thanks, mum.

"What a beautiful life you have given me, Lord Jesus!
Let me sing the glorious hope
that comes from your resurrection.
With each day—but especially today—
make my joy a gift to you,
a grateful acknowledgement
of the love you have for me"

- The Word Among Us

---

A happy and blessed E.A.S.T.E.R.!

Jesus is...

...Everlasting joy
...Abundant in mercy
...Saviour of the lost and broken
...Temple of God
...Eternal friend
...Ressurected today!


I thought this song is appropriate for the day
...by Nickelback!



"If Everyone Cared"

From underneath the trees, we watch the sky
Confusing stars for satellites
I never dreamed that you'd be mine
But here we are, we're here tonight

Singing Amen, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I'm alive

[CHORUS]
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
We'd see the day when nobody died

And I'm singing

Amen I, I'm alive
Amen I, I'm alive

And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along

Singing Amen I'm alive
Singing Amen I'm alive

[CHORUS (X2)]

And as we lie beneath the stars
We realize how small we are
If they could love like you and me
Imagine what the world could be

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
We'd see the day when nobody died

We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day when nobody died

"For every pain that Jesus endured
was endured for us.
Everything he suffered during his passion
was like a magnet,
drawing all of our pain onto himself. "

- The Word Among Us

---

I came across this question online, and felt like I needed to answer. Especially since it's the Holy Week. I wanted to answer, but didn't think I had the right answer for this person. But anyway, below is the mini Q&A:


Questioner:

My earthly father doesn't require my faith,
so why does my Heavenly Father?

What if your earthly father moved to another
part of the universe and said,
"You can't ever see me until you die,
so you just have to pray to me.
And when I feel like responding (sometimes I won't),
I will give you feelings
that you will have to carefully interpret,
because not everyone will agree with the interpretation.
Oh yeah, and you'll have to be 'in the spirit'
to interpret my answers, otherwise you'll get all confused."

It's almost like our Father in Heaven
is playing mind games with us, isn't it?

What would be so bad about him coming by for a real visit?


My reply:

Firstly, you can see your earthly father,
that already rules out the "faith requirement". B
ut I could tell that that's not really your point,
since it's just an analogy.

I feel that you are frustrated with prayers.
I know prayer life could go dry sometimes.
How sometimes (or most of the time) you feel
like you're talking/pleading to the air.
But He will answer when the time is right.
I don't even know if I have the "right" answer for you,
but thing is, I feel for your situation and
I wish with all my heart that you would believe.
Faith makes the impossible to be possible.
The disillusioned, clear-minded.

There is a reason for everything.
Why we're here. He alone knows the answer.
Here's an analogy of mine:

You see an army of ant.
A water drops into their group,
and they're all swimming for dear life,
trying to get free.
What would you do if you can actually hear
them cry out in these words, "Help me! Help me!"

Some ants paddle with all their might to get free,
some hang on to their comrades,
while some lay still, not doing anything
and ready to give up.
Which one will you save first?
Which one, in your opinion,
would impress you? Which one saddens you?

Sometimes I think of God that way.
Sometimes, he stayed back and
resisted the urge to reach out a hand to help,
'cos he wants to see us grow stronger
in faith and in our daily lives,
be it a big or small issue.

God bless you.

I know that my analogy may seem pretty childish and immature (who rescues ants?!) but when I was little, I used to save ants whenever I see any in a puddle of water and I enjoy observing them and wanted to make one as my pet. But then I realised that won't be possible 'cos they're all more or less alike (appearance-wise) and they're not "pet material". Ants are one of the most community-oriented species! They could barely survive on their own.

"Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world.
Have mercy on us!"

- The Word Among Us

---

I saw this news (Thailand blocks YouTube for clip mocking King) on the AFP/Reuters wires earlier, and was wondering as to how offensive the video really is. I check it out on YouTube and here's the video:

Is this not offensive?


It may seem funny on the outside, but I think this person has ill intentions since in several scenes, there are depictions of a woman's feet above the King's head. According to the news article, Thais consider that to be offensive. About a week ago, a Swiss man had been jailed 10 years for insulting the Thai royalty in a court case known as "leste majeste".

I clicked on the person who posted this video's profile and found out that he/she is a 30-year-old living in the US. His/her hobb(ies) included "receptionists". Well, I may as well assume that this person is a "he" since his interest - besides inciting controversy through his twisted sarcasm - is in receptionists.

p.s. the drawings and background music =

"Do you have painful memories?
He can remove their sting by leading you
through steps of healing and forgiveness.
Is a loved one suffering through a crisis of faith?
He can draw them to his side as you pray,
serve, and gently reach out to them
with words of encouragement and hope.
This is who Jesus is.
No one is beyond his saving power."

- The Word Among Us

---

Miles of land separate me and my sister. But her shadow is still around, in the form of the Sean Problem. Why? Mother's in a crazy mood right now, during the Holy Week. What happened was that sister called my parents earlier to ask them to tell Sean's fiancée to lay off my sister's case. I guess the girl's only able to actually speak up for herself when sister's away and unable to defend for herself.

According to my mother, the fiancée called my sister on her mobile phone with threats to stay away from her man. I am surprised that the woman's only voicing her thoughts after sister left for another State. Why not when they had that face-to-face meeting last month, with Sean in their presence? That's when sister promised to stay out of Sean and his fiancée's lives. But days later the two were an item again.

I understand the fiancée's frustration. But why now? Why after sister's far away and then she's suddenly in charge of the situation. She even called up my parent! Mother's theory is equally as crazy:

Mum: This "dummy" called up earlier.
Me: Huh?
Mum: That Sean is using a dummy to get back at your sister.
Me: Who? The fiancée?
Mum: She's a dummy! The dummy claimed to be his fiancée but I think Sean paid her.
Me: That's crazy.
Mum: This dummy is a good actress. She talked to us, too. And she's a really good actress. I'm going to report this to the cops.
Me: Why don't you believe the fiancée? You knew long ago that Sean has a fiancée.
Mum: If you were in your sister's shoes, and this guy told you he has a fiancée and told you that he chooses you over the fiancée, would you not feel treasured and precious in his eyes?
Me: (I thought that was pretty good, so I kept quiet and let the conversation die there)

I still think that's a crazy theory, but I would not rule it out either. 'Cos what mother said did make some sense! I just wish she wouldn't let this issue ruin her mood or bring the house morale down with her sudden outbursts...

It's the Holy Week, for goodness' sake.

Just a quick update...

Went for a walk in the park and had the radio on the mobile. There was a radio talk show that time and I was actually engrossed in the discussion... golf. That's just so not like me 'cos I consider golf to be a boring "sport". After listening to the invited speaker to explain and quash common myths about golfing, I now have a different insight towards the game. I didn't realise I've walked for over and hour 'cos of the interesting radio discussion... I could've gone on forever had it not been for the news update every one hour. o_0

Anyways, "Hit the Road, Jack" played on the radio in between the talks. Sung by Ray Charles. I didn't know who sang it before today. I learnt two new things today:

• Golfing isn't as boring as I thought, kind of fun;
  
• "Hit the road, Jack" was by the late Ray Charles.
  

Cool.

"Obedience to God always brings about exaltation.
Jesus passed through death to new life
because of his obedience,
and he has paved a way for all of us
to experience the same death-to-life transformation."

- The Word Among Us

---

Just saw the 2005 horror/court room drama(?) movie "The Exorcism of Emily Rose", which is based on a true story of Anneliese Michel, a German Catholic girl supposedly to have been possessed by demonic spirit. Her death in 1976 (she was 23) was blamed on the unnecessary exorcism procedure on her, since most people (except her family) believed she was really mentally ill, not possessed. The priest and the girl's parents were prosecuted in court over Michel's death, saying that they had prevented her from getting proper medical attention.


Anneliese Michel

My thoughts? I can't say for sure, since I don't know much about the "possessed girl". I've actually seen the movie's preview, read it's review, and heard other people's opinion on how they feel about the movie. After getting all these mixed reactions from a variety of sources, I decided to not watch it at the theatre or buy it, since it didn't seem to be worth it. It's mostly 'cos I read that the movie was less factual compared to the German version ("Requiem").

The movie happened to be on cable today. I have to admit that I was wowed by it. It was a lot better than I predicted. "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" prompted me to learn more about the actual thing and the exorcism issue itself. Is exorcism real? I've never really seen one (of course), but I do believe in it.

I understand the media's tendency to over-sensationalise stories like these so I am always cautious whenever it comes to actually believing what I've seen/read. But I will never doubt God's existence or the Bible. I'm not writing this to debate my belief/faith - it's about exorcism and about Anneliese Michel.

My final say: I believe in things that my heart and soul could take in without hesitance. I believe in exorcism... but the exorcism of Anneliese Michel? I am still somewhat divided but lets just say that a big part of me wants to believe in her story and disagree with the guilty verdict.

------------------------------

Anyhow, brother's birthday went beautifully. All five of us riding in the same car just like back in the good old days. Only this time around, the back seat was rather cramped since we've all grown up... ha. We went to a Japanese restaurant to have a celebratory dinner as a family of five; it feels like forever since we last had eaten together. My eyes watered on the way to the restaurant, 'cos I remembered the days when we were younger. We've always been there for each other. Been everywhere together. Laughed and argued over the silliest things.

Now we barely even have time for that. Sister's moving out this Sunday. Everyone else seem to be busy with their own business, including me. We can't make time for each other. That got me to thinking, is it worth sacrificing family relationships for friends/career/relationships/etc? I guess this is just one of the normal phases of an "ageing" family.

I just miss my "old" family. There's nothing wrong with the "new" one. I just wish things were more simple and had stayed the way it is. But that's not what life is about. Life is about moving on, right. I'll move on now.

"...let’s ask Jesus to show love and mercy.
He died for everyone. He holds out hope for everyone
right up till the last minute. He urges us to do the same.
Let’s bless, not curse. Let’s intercede, not condemn.
We are all one family in Christ, and the more we love one another,
the more the gospel will triumph in everyone’s heart."

The Word Among Us

---

It's a wrap!

• At work, Peter (who's in his 60s)
  said the funniest thing ever: "What's up, dude!"
  
  
  
• Made up my mind that I'm giving
  brother cash for his b-day this Saturday.
  
  
  
  
• Went to confession;
  saw my ex-high school teacher there.
  She looks young and fragile to be a teacher!
  She has a cute way of teaching and I consider her one of my faves.
  Though I pretended to not see her at the church...
  (I didn't know she's Catholic, too)
  
  
  
  
• ...sister went to the confession with me,
  and revealed that she's never given
  a birthday gift to brother before! For real?!
  (I doubt it...)
  
  
  
• Said my confession... like it's out of obligation.
  Something's wrong with my spirit today.
  I'm fine, just a little "disconnected"
  ...from my spirit.